My wife just shared with me a story in today's news. A first year Japanese junior high student jumped off the top of a building this morning, commiting suicide. His teacher had been hitting him and shaming him publicly in front of the class, accusing him of things he had not done. His mother had talked with the teacher, but to no avail.

Before jumping he called his mother 10 times on her cell phone, leaving tearful messages. She had seen the ringing, but wasn't able to answer the phone because she was very busy, at work.

My wife and I both broke down in tears after hearing about this.

"As Buddhists, we should aim to develop relationships that are not predominated by grasping and clinging. Our relationships should be characterised by the brahmaviharas of metta (loving kindness), mudita (sympathetic joy), karuna (compassion), and upekkha (equanimity)."~post by Ben, Jul 02, 2009

A news story that caught my eye concerned a two-year-old girl who was beaten to death by her mother and step-father because she did not say "please" and "yes sir" as required. And while the mother was beating her daughter, the little girl held out her arms, saying, "I love you."

When there is nothing that can be done, it is probably better to do nothing.

If you have asked me of the origination of unease, then I shall explain it to you in accordance with my understanding: Whatever various forms of unease there are in the world, They originate founded in encumbering accumulation. (Pārāyanavagga)

Exalted in mind, just open and clearly aware, the recluse trained in the ways of the sages:One who is such, calmed and ever mindful, He has no sorrows! -- Udana IV, 7

Isn't it because we have been taught and understand that "There is suffering. There is the origin of suffering. There is the cessation of suffering. There is the path out of suffering." that we are all Dhamma-farers?

mettaChris

---The trouble is that you think you have time------Worry is the Interest, paid in advance, on a debt you may never owe------It's not what happens to you in life that is important ~ it's what you do with it ---

Hi Chris & Allsome terible stories, and I know one or two myself,thank-you chris for pointing out the Four Noble Truths, it is always good to remember that we can not pick up more than we can carry at one time or that we have to pick up every trouble and concern we see!

Isn't it because we have been taught and understand that "There is suffering. There is the origin of suffering. There is the cessation of suffering. There is the path out of suffering." that we are all Dhamma-farers?

mettaChris

This offering maybe right, or wrong, but it is one, the other, both, or neither!Blog,-Some Suttas Translated,Ajahn Chah."Others will misconstrue reality due to their personal perspectives, doggedly holding onto and not easily discarding them; We shall not misconstrue reality due to our own personal perspectives, nor doggedly holding onto them, but will discard them easily. This effacement shall be done."

The Four Noble Truths are a wonderful and accurate depiction of our lives, whether sad or happy. Since sadness or uncertainty are likely to gather more of our attention (who has the wherewithal to reflect on joy?), the delight in hearing The Four Noble Truths can be compelling.

But I think there is also a danger to be considered -- using The Four Noble Truths as a defense against the winds of sadness ... as a way of keeping sadness in check or at bay... as a means of pretending to have things under control ... a voice saying something like, "This cold and horrible thing has happened, but I'm kool: I've go The Four Noble Truths to keep me warm."

No criticism intended here. Just wanting to point out a poor application of some sensible observations.

The Four Noble Truths are a wonderful and accurate depiction of our lives, whether sad or happy. Since sadness or uncertainty are likely to gather more of our attention (who has the wherewithal to reflect on joy?), the delight in hearing The Four Noble Truths can be compelling.

But I think there is also a danger to be considered -- using The Four Noble Truths as a defense against the winds of sadness ... as a way of keeping sadness in check or at bay... as a means of pretending to have things under control ... a voice saying something like, "This cold and horrible thing has happened, but I'm kool: I've go The Four Noble Truths to keep me warm."

No criticism intended here. Just wanting to point out a poor application of some sensible observations.

After all, if you can't weep in a time of weeping, what's the use?

I agree, genkaku.

Though at the same time perhaps for many/most of us this is something we have to really practice to master? So that initially we are going to the dharma and the 4 noble truths for shelter against the outer storms. We learn to let go of rising thoughts and emotions, to not spin them further and attach to what arises. Over time we encounter a deep stillness and peace unlike anything we had experienced before.

With that skill and understanding as our anchor it becomes easier to face the world, to open your heart again to the madness, to weep at all the sorrow. Cause we know now how to not hold on to it, which we didnt understand before. We've come to understand how emptiness provides a shelter, from the world's raging storms, from inner turmoil.

Until we've come to understand and master this- how to let go of sorrow and return to stillness- those tides can pull you under.

"As Buddhists, we should aim to develop relationships that are not predominated by grasping and clinging. Our relationships should be characterised by the brahmaviharas of metta (loving kindness), mudita (sympathetic joy), karuna (compassion), and upekkha (equanimity)."~post by Ben, Jul 02, 2009